US: Cambria Hotels, a boutique brand of Choice Hotels International, has begun using virtual tours to drive hotel business.
The group has been leveraging online technology across its various properties to help bring in bookings for the post-isolation period.
A pair of individual hotels, the Cambria South Boston and Cambria White plains, have both provided live tours done by the hotel staff. The group invites interested members on a zoom call before guiding them through the entirety of a hotel.
Janis Cannon, senior VP of upscale brands, Choice Hotels said: “The COVID-19 pandemic introduced new challenges for all types of businesses, but the hotel industry in particular has had to find creative ways to engage and serve clients during this time. Cambria Hotels is known for providing unique experiences to the time-starved modern business traveler, so we wanted to provide meeting planners nationwide with a comprehensive look at each properties’ unique offerings—from locally inspired details to versatile event spaces—all from the comfort of their homes.”
The group has also listed virtual resources for many of their other properties including their Nashville and New Orleans hotels. On either you can explore an online showcase with 360 degree views of all available views.
The group has found that the concept is already leading to many inquiries. Cambria has brought in 150 clients over 19 tours in the past week.
Cannon added: “We are hopeful that through these virtual tours, we’ll be able to start conversations and ultimately drive group bookings for future corporate travel needs.”
It is not alone in adding virtual site tours either. NYC & Company, destination marketing organization for the five boroughs of New York, have begun using virtual tours to drive interest from meeting planners and events professionals, including looks at boutique hotels.
Tripadvisor experiences platform Viator has introduced a virtual travel programme to help those stuck at home visit their favourite spots.
